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The Winnipeg Jets realize these Panthers are ready to pounce if you’re not ready for them.

After putting together consecutive wins to open a six-game homestand that could determine their post-season chances, the Jets fully understand the Florida Panthers are a dangerous team, even if their position at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings might suggest otherwise.

Perhaps nobody knows that better that forward Mike Santorelli, who was claimed by the Jets off waivers from the Panthers last week.

“The one thing about when I was there, they have a really good work ethic and they make you work for everything you get,” said Santorelli. “They’re really good defensively, they play well as a team and they play hard. It’s going to be a battle against them.”

Santorelli is focused on the bigger picture, but he’s given some thought to facing his former team for the first time.

“It’s going to be a little weird. It happens pretty quick,” said Santorelli. “But every game is so big, it doesn’t matter who you’re playing.”

With seven games left in the regular season, the Jets remain very much in the playoff picture but can’t afford any missteps.

The Panthers might be in the Seth Jones sweepstakes, but they’ve won four of the past five games despite a rash of injuries to key cogs.

And you can be sure that any team coached by Kevin Dineen isn’t going to be mailing it in during the stretch run.

“Regardless of where they are in the standings, they play a desperate hockey game. They look like a team that’s trying to fight to get into the playoffs every game,” said Jets winger Eric Tangradi. “I don’t think they’re going to come into here and just try to put an X on the calendar and get in and get out.

“They’re trying to be a spoiler right now and do everything they can to slow down teams like us. We’re expecting a playoff game, a playoff atmopshere and that’s the right mindset for us going down the stretch.”

The Jets are 20-19-2 and only two points behind the Washington Capitals (who hold a game in hand) in the chase for the Southeast Division title.

After posting consecutive victories on home ice, the Jets seem to be peaking at the right time.

Now all the have to do is keep it going and see where they end up.

“All we can control is how we play and if we win or lose hockey games,” said Jets forward Chris Thorburn. “You can’t worry too much about the teams ahead of you. Just hope that they lose.

“But at the same time, in order for us to make the playoffs, we have to win games and that’s what we’re focusing on.

“We’ve got seven games left and there’s no time to save it for. We want to pour everything we have into every game.”

Jets head coach Claude Noel said he wouldn’t know if Toby Enstrom would be available for the game until Thursday morning, saying the defenceman remains day-to-day with a “mid-body” (back) injury.

If Enstrom is unable to go, Noel has a variety of options to consider — including 2012 first rounder Jacob Trouba — but the most likely candidate is Paul Postma.

“I’m not sure who would go in. That’s the next issue we’ll have to deal with, if he (Enstrom) is not in,” said Noel. “In the morning we’ll see how he’s doing.”

Postma, who has three goals and eight points in 27 games this season, has been doing what he can to stay sharp.

“You don’t want to see Toby go down like that, he’s one of our best defencemen,” said Postma. “I’m making sure I’m staying in good shape, mentally prepared and if the time does come that I’m back in the lineup, I’ll be ready.”

As Advertised in the Winnipeg SUN

Jets must take Panthers seriously

The Winnipeg Jets realize these Panthers are ready to pounce if you’re not ready for them.

After putting together consecutive wins to open a six-game homestand that could determine their post-season chances, the Jets fully understand the Florida Panthers are a dangerous team, even if their position at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings might suggest otherwise.

Perhaps nobody knows that better that forward Mike Santorelli, who was claimed by the Jets off waivers from the Panthers last week.

“The one thing about when I was there, they have a really good work ethic and they make you work for everything you get,” said Santorelli. “They’re really good defensively, they play well as a team and they play hard. It’s going to be a battle against them.”

Santorelli is focused on the bigger picture, but he’s given some thought to facing his former team for the first time.